A student meets level 1 objectives when they, “Demonstrate an understanding of: scientific facts and concepts, scientific methods and techniques, scientific terminology, and methods of presenting scientific information6.” These objectives will be tested using the “command terms” listed below:
Define Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase or physical quantity Draw Represent by means of pencil lines. Label Add labels to a diagram. List Give a sequence of names or other brief answers with no explanation. Measure Find a value for a quantity. State Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
Level 2 Objectives
A student meets level 2 objectives when they, “Apply and use: scientific facts and concepts, scientific methods and techniques, scientific terminology to communicate effectively, and appropriate methods of presenting scientific information.” These objectives will be tested using the “command terms” listed below:
Annotate Add brief notes to a diagram or graph. Apply Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new situation. Calculate Find a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working (unless instructed not to do so). Describe Give a detailed account. Distinguish Give the differences between two or more different items. Estimate Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity. Identify Find an answer from a given number of possibilities. Outline Give a brief account or summary.
Level 3 Objectives
A student meets level 3 objectives when they, “Construct, analyse and evaluate: hypothesese and research questions and predictions, scientific methods and techniques, and scientific explanations.” These objectives will be tested objectively in the summative exams using the “command terms” listed below and, unlike objectives 1 and 2 above, level 3 objectives are also embedded in the “internal assessments,” which you will do throughout the two year program.
Analyse Interpret data to reach conclusions. Comment Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation. Compare Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout. Construct Represent or develop in graphical form. Deduce Reach a conclusion from the information given. Derive Manipulate a mathematical relationship(s) to give a new equation or relationship. Design Produce a plan, simulation or model. Determine Find the only possible answer. Discuss Give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments for and against the relative importance of various factors, or comparisons of alternative hypotheses. Evaluate Assess the implications and limitations. Explain Give a detailed account of causes, reasons or mechanisms. Predict Give an expected result. Show Give the steps in a calculation or derivation. Sketch Represent by means of a graph showing a line and labelled but unscaled axes but with important features (for example, intercept) clearly indicated. Solve Obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods. Suggest Propose a hypothesis or other possible answer.
Level 1 Objectives
A student meets level 1 objectives when they, “Demonstrate an understanding of: scientific facts and concepts, scientific methods and techniques, scientific terminology, and methods of presenting scientific information6.” These objectives will be tested using the “command terms” listed below:Define Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase or physical quantity
Draw Represent by means of pencil lines.
Label Add labels to a diagram.
List Give a sequence of names or other brief answers with no explanation.
Measure Find a value for a quantity.
State Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
Level 2 Objectives
A student meets level 2 objectives when they, “Apply and use: scientific facts and concepts, scientific methods and techniques, scientific terminology to communicate effectively, and appropriate methods of presenting scientific information.” These objectives will be tested using the “command terms” listed below:Annotate Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.
Apply Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new situation.
Calculate Find a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working (unless instructed not to do so).
Describe Give a detailed account.
Distinguish Give the differences between two or more different items.
Estimate Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity.
Identify Find an answer from a given number of possibilities.
Outline Give a brief account or summary.
Level 3 Objectives
A student meets level 3 objectives when they, “Construct, analyse and evaluate: hypothesese and research questions and predictions, scientific methods and techniques, and scientific explanations.” These objectives will be tested objectively in the summative exams using the “command terms” listed below and, unlike objectives 1 and 2 above, level 3 objectives are also embedded in the “internal assessments,” which you will do throughout the two year program.Analyse Interpret data to reach conclusions.
Comment Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.
Compare Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Construct Represent or develop in graphical form.
Deduce Reach a conclusion from the information given.
Derive Manipulate a mathematical relationship(s) to give a new equation or relationship.
Design Produce a plan, simulation or model.
Determine Find the only possible answer.
Discuss Give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments for and against the relative importance of various factors, or comparisons of alternative hypotheses.
Evaluate Assess the implications and limitations.
Explain Give a detailed account of causes, reasons or mechanisms.
Predict Give an expected result.
Show Give the steps in a calculation or derivation.
Sketch Represent by means of a graph showing a line and labelled but unscaled axes but with important features (for example, intercept) clearly indicated.
Solve Obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods.
Suggest Propose a hypothesis or other possible answer.